EA Sports UFC 2 returns to the octagon on March 17th

The second entry in their MMA series is now slated to hit the virtual octagon on March 17th. As announced previously, the game will feature Ronda Rousey (who's name is mysteriously missing in the press release) and Conor McGregor as cover-athletes. The latest gameplay trailer shows both the fighters in action though, so make sure to check it out below.

UFC 2 includes a hell of a lot of enhancements over the original such as the "Knockout Physics System, Dynamic Grappling, and Next-Level Submissions". Those who pre-order will get access to Bas Rutten, Kazushi Sakuraba and a mystery fighter to be revealed at another time.

See the new cinematic gameplay trailer, and also read on for more game details.

EA SPORTS UFC 2 | Official Gameplay Trailer | Xbox One, PS4:

Electronic Arts Inc. today announced EA SPORTS UFC 2 launches on March 15, 2016 in North America, and March 17, 2016 worldwide. In addition to the announcement, EA released a cinematic trailer for EA SPORTS UFC 2 featuring some of the biggest moments from recent bouts, showcasing authentic gameplay features, and highlighting new character visuals and signature animations. The trailer opens on EA SPORTS UFC 2 cover athlete and UFC featherweight champion, Conor McGregor showing fans the all-new Knockout Physics System in his championship fight at UFC 194.From there, fans will see Dynamic Grappling, and Next-Level Submissions while reliving some of the heart-stopping moments from recent fights, and speculating what could happen in upcoming contests. Watch the trailer here.

“Whether fans want to play upcoming cards, recreate the outcome of recent fights, or go back to fight with MMA legends, we’ll help them do that in the most authentic and exciting way ever in an MMA simulation,” said Brian Hayes, Creative Director. “Our first two pre-order fighters, Bas Rutten and Kazushi Sakuraba are perfect additions to what is already the biggest roster ever for an official UFC game. Adding them is huge, and fans are going to go nuts when we reveal who the mystery fighter is. I can’t wait.”

Fans excited to step into the Octagon can pre-order EA SPORTS UFC 2 and get day one access to two legendary fighters: UFC Hall of Famer and three-time King of Pancrase, Bas Rutten; and Japanese MMA legend, “The Gracie Hunter” Kazushi Sakuraba, with an additional mystery fighter who will be named later.* The deluxe edition of the game also includes up to $60 of UFC Ultimate Team Premium Packs**. For pre-order information, visit http://easports.com/UFC/buy.

EA SPORTS UFC 2 is headlined by five brand new game modes including KO Mode and UFC Ultimate Team, a revamped Career Mode that lets fans create female fighters for the first time ever in an official UFC game, and Grapple Assist, an integrated visual tool to help players learn and perfect takedowns, ground game transitions, and submissions. Full feature and mode details can be found at http://easports.com/ufc/features.